This week, 50 Teachers of the Year got a remarkable glimpse into the world-renowned collections and research of the Smithsonian Institution. In eight behind-the-scenes workshops, the teachers saw some of the most famous objects in the world, including such American icons as the Star-Spangled Banner and the 1903 Wright Flyer. Working alongside Smithsonian curators, they learned how collections and exhibitions can deepen students’ knowledge in all content areas. The teachers also learned how to access 1,200 of the Smithsonian’s educational resources through the award-winning Web site www.smithsonianeducation.org.

“These eight workshops offered Teachers of the Year a glimpse into the expansive and diverse world of Smithsonian research and exhibitions in science, art, history and culture,” said Stephanie Norby, director of the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies. “What they experienced—and much more—can be accessed through our Web site www.smithsonianeducation.org, which has a special ‘Educators’ section. We hope they will share their experiences with their students and fellow educators.”

One group of Teachers of the Year took part in a special workshop at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. The teachers spoke with one of the nation’s leading experts on the Wright brothers, studied the airplane itself and got an exclusive look at an upcoming exhibition now under development.

Some of the science teachers explored the mammal collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History to learn about bats that are indigenous to their home states. After trying their hands at sorting bats into evolutionary groups, they used a geographic information system interactive map to measure biodiversity and conservation factors in regions across the country. Other teachers explored the Smithsonian’s collections of art and music from around the globe.

The Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies provides leadership in education at the Smithsonian and works to increase its impact as a national educational organization.